Tip-retention device for use with a welding system

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for providing welding systems or portions of welding systems that provide a tip-retention device that is configured to direct gas radially towards a contact tip.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/452,726 filed Jan. 31, 2017, entitled“TIP-RETENTION DEVICE FOR USE WITH A WELDING SYSTEM.” The entirecontents of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/452,726 areexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approacheswill become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison ofsuch systems with the present disclosure as set forth in the remainderof the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing a welding system orparts of a welding system are provided, substantially as illustrated byand/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as setforth more completely in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an example welding torch according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1B shows an exploded view of portions of a nozzle assembly and/orneck assembly without a tip-retention device according to the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2F show various views of an example tip-retention deviceaccording to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2G-2I show various views of another example tip-retention deviceaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a contact tipaccording to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show cross-sectional side and partial cross-sectionalperspective views, respectively, of an assembled example nozzle assemblyand/or neck assembly having a tip-retention device according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5A shows exemplary gas flow through a cross-sectional side view ofan assembled example nozzle assembly and/or neck assembly having atip-retention device according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B shows exemplary gas flow through a cross-sectional perspectiveview of an assembled example nozzle assembly and/or neck assembly havinga tip-retention device (with a liner assembly removed) according to thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6C show various side and cross-sectional side views of otherexample tip-retention devices according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a welding torch,comprising a nozzle including a tip-retention device, and a contact tipin contact with the tip-retention device. The tip-retention device maybe configured to direct gas radially towards the contact tip withrespect to an axis of the contact tip.

In some examples, the tip-retention device may be configured to receivea gas diffuser and the contact tip, and the gas diffuser may include aseat with a taper that is configured to interface with a rear-facingtaper of the contact tip. In some examples, the tip-retention device maybe configured to interface with a forward-facing taper of the contacttip. In some examples, the tip-retention device may be configured todirect the gas radially away from the contact tip before directing thegas towards the contact tip. In some examples, the tip-retention devicemay comprise a tip-retention wall configured to direct the gas radiallyaway from the contact tip. In some examples, the tip-retention devicemay comprise an annular rim having a leading edge that is configured todirect the gas towards the contact tip. In some examples, thetip-retention device may include a channel comprising a first slot on afirst side of the tip-retention wall and a second slot on a second sideof the tip-retention wall, and the leading edge may be configured toprotect the channel of the tip-retention device from welding spatter.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a nozzle for use witha welding torch, comprising a tip-retention device, and a contact tip incontact with the tip-retention device. The tip-retention device may beconfigured to direct gas radially towards the contact tip with respectto an axis of the contact tip.

In some examples, the tip-retention device may be configured to receivea gas diffuser and the contact tip, and the gas diffuser may include aseat with a taper that is configured to interface with a rear-facingtaper of the contact tip. In some examples, the tip-retention device maybe configured to interface with a forward-facing taper of the contacttip. In some examples, the tip-retention device may be configured todirect the gas radially away from the contact tip before directing thegas towards the contact tip. In some examples, the tip-retention devicemay comprise a tip retention wall configured to direct the gas radiallyaway from the contact tip. In some examples, the tip-retention devicemay comprise an annular rim having a leading edge that is configured todirect the gas towards the contact tip. In some examples, thetip-retention device may include a channel comprising a first slot on afirst side of the tip-retention wall and a second slot on a second sideof the tip-retention wall, and the leading edge may be configured toprotect the channel of the tip-retention device from welding spatter.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a device for use witha welding torch, comprising an annular sidewall surrounding a hollowinterior, a tip-retention wall attached to the sidewall, and a channelin fluid communication with the hollow interior. The tip-retention wallmay include a bore configured to fit a contact tip, and the channel maybe configured to provide a passage for gas to flow around thetip-retention wall.

In some examples, the channel may comprise a first slot on a first sideof the tip-retention wall and a second slot on a second side of thetip-retention wall. In some examples, the tip-retention wall may includea locking taper configured to interface with a forward-facing taper ofthe contact tip so as to retain the contact tip within the bore, and thetip-retention wall may be configured to direct the gas radially awayfrom the contact tip. In some examples, the device may further includean annular rim at a leading edge of the device. The annular rim may beconfigured to direct the gas towards the contact tip, and the annularrim may also be configured to protect the channel from welding spatter.In some examples, the tip-retention wall may be configured to protectthe channel from welding spatter. In some examples, the device may beconfigured to engage a gas diffuser of the welding torch using at leastone of a screw thread or a step in the sidewall. The device may also beconfigured to direct gas from the gas diffuser towards the contact tip.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, systems,and methods that provide a welding system (e.g., a welding torch/gunconsumable system) and/or parts of a welding system. In some examples,the welding system and/or parts thereof are structured to retain acontact tip and to direct gas flow towards a contact tip in a weldingtorch (e.g., a welding gun). In some examples, the welding torch may bestructured to retain the contact tip with a forward-facing taper and toinclude a nozzle that is structured with one or more radial gas channels(e.g., slots, holes, etc.) that direct gas flow radially toward thecontact tip.

The welding torch may include gas holes that are positioned radially(e.g., outwardly facing) or axially (e.g., forwardly facing) within thewelding gun. During a welding application, weld spatter may adhere tothe inside of the nozzle of the welding gun, thereby reducing the amountof gas flowing out of the nozzle. Axial gas holes (e.g., gas holesoriented generally toward the arc) within the welding gun may becomeclogged with spatter. The positioning of the gas holes may make cleaningdifficult if there is not enough clearance between the gas holes and thenozzle wall.

Some examples of the welding system according to the present disclosureprovide a welding torch (e.g., a welding gun) that has gas channelslocated on the inner wall of the nozzle body to direct the gas inwardlytoward the contact tip. The gas channels may be protected from weldspatter since they are radially positioned. A leading edge of atip-retention device of the nozzle is positioned to further protect thegas channels from weld spatter. If weld spatter does build up on thetip-retention device, the tip-retention device is readily accessible,and the weld spatter may be removed with a nozzle reamer or welpers, forexample.

Some examples of the welding system according to the present disclosurebenefit from this gas channel configuration by directing the gas towardthe contact tip to assist in cooling the contact tip. This may extendthe useful life of the contact tip. In contrast to some configurationsthat typically direct the gas around the contact tip toward the weldpuddle, some examples of the welding system or the weld torch providefor directing the gas (e.g., shielding gas) towards the contact tipbefore exiting the nozzle.

Some examples of the welding system according to the present disclosureprovide welding torches or guns that include or receive contact tipsthat utilize a taper for concentricity and conductivity and have asingle taper positioned toward the rear of the contact tip. In someexamples, the position of the main taper is located toward the front ofthe tip. This taper interfaces with a mating taper in the tip-retentiondevice to ensure concentricity and conductivity. A second smaller taperis added to the back end of the contact tip and mating pocket in the gasdiffuser to provide additional concentricity support.

FIG. 1A shows an example welding gun/torch 100. The torch 100 includes aneck assembly 1 extending out of a second end 44 of a handle 38. Assuch, the neck assembly 1 is coupled between the handle 38 and a weldingnozzle assembly 16. A trigger 102 is disposed on the handle 38. Thetorch 100 may be configured such that, when the trigger 102 is pressedor actuated, welding wire (e.g., electrode 104) travels through thecable 42, the handle 38, the neck assembly 1, and the welding nozzleassembly 16, so that the welding wire extends out of an end 50 (i.e.,torch tip) of the welding nozzle assembly 16. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 1A, the handle 38 may be secured to the neck assembly 1 viafasteners 52 and 54. At a first end 40, fasteners 52 and 54 may securethe handle 38 to a welding cable 42 that connects to a welding powersupply (not shown). The welding cable 42 may supply welding consumableswhere welding consumables (e.g., the electrode 104, the shielding gas,and so forth) to the welding torch 100 through the welding cable 42. Thewelding nozzle assembly 16 is illustrated with a portion of the weldingnozzle assembly 16 removed to show an electrode 104 extending out of acontact tip 12 that is disposed within the welding nozzle assembly 16.It will be understood that the welding torch 100 is presented only as anexample; the present disclosure may apply to a variety of differentwelding torch designs.

FIG. 1B shows an exploded view of portions of the nozzle assembly 16and/or neck assembly 1 without a tip-retention device 20, according tothe present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1B, the nozzle assembly 16 mayinclude, for example, a nozzle body 17 and a nozzle insulator 15 (e.g.,a nozzle electrical insulator). The nozzle assembly 16 is configured toretain a contact tip 12 (e.g., an electrically conductive contact tip).As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the contact tip 12 may include aforward-facing locking taper 13 and a second, rear-facing, taper 19(e.g., a secondary taper for concentricity). A gas diffuser 9, which iselectrically conductive, is configured to receive the contact tip 12.The gas diffuser 9 is configured to receive an O-ring 10 and includeswrench flats 11 that are used to tighten the gas diffuser 9 to a neckassembly 1 (e.g., a welding torch neck assembly) with an insulator cap 8(e.g., electrical insulator cap) therebetween. The neck assembly 1includes neck armor 2, neck insulation 3 (e.g., electrical neckinsulation), and a neck inner portion 4. The neck assembly 1 isconfigured to house a liner assembly 18.

FIGS. 2A-2F show various perspective, side, and cross-sectional views ofa tip-retention device 20. As shown, the tip-retention device 20 isapproximately cylindrical, though in some examples the tip-retentiondevice may be shaped differently to accommodate the shape of the nozzleassembly 16. The tip-retention device 20 includes an approximatelycylindrical sidewall 204. The sidewall 204 surrounds a generally hollowinterior. A tip-retention wall 200 extends from the sidewall 204 intothe interior of the tip-retention device 20, proximate a leading edge 25of the tip-retention device 20. The tip-retention wall 200 includes abore 202 configured to fit the contact tip 12.

The tip-retention wall 200 further includes a locking taper 21 on theportion of the tip-retention wall 200 immediately surrounding the bore202. The locking taper 21 is configured to engage a matching lockingtaper 13 (e.g., a forward-facing locking taper) of the contact tip 12.More particularly, the locking taper 21 of the tip-retention wall 200may be configured to abut and/or engage the locking taper 13 of thecontact tip 12, so as to retain the contact tip 12 within the bore 202of the tip-retention device 20. Because of the locking taper 21, thebore 202 has a smaller circumference (and/or radius, diameter, size,etc.) on one side of the tip-retention wall 200 than on the other. Moreparticularly, the bore 202 has a smaller circumference (and/or radius,diameter, size, etc.) on the side of the tip-retention wall 200 closestto the leading edge 25 of the tip-retention device 20. The bore 202 hasa larger circumference (and/or radius, diameter, size, etc.) on the sideof the tip-retention wall 200 closer to the step 206 and/or dimple 210.

At the rear of the tip-retention device 20, the sidewall 204 surroundingthe hollow interior includes a step 206 configured to engage with thegas diffuser 9. FIGS. 2G-2I illustrate another example of thetip-retention device 20 with screw threads 208 configured to engage thegas diffuser 9, rather the step 206. The sidewall 204 further includesan annular dimple 210 approximately midway along its length. Forward ofthe annular dimple 210 are curved cutaways in the sidewall 204 thatdefine channels 226 for gas (e.g. shielding gas) to flow.

The tip-retention device 20 shown in FIGS. 2A-2I includes six channels226, though the number, size, and/or shape of the channels 226 may varydepending on a number of factors, including, for example, a size and/orshape of the nozzle assembly 16 being used. Each channel 226 is borderedby a flat 212 on either side of the channel 226. Each channel 226 isbordered at the front by an annular rim 225 that comprises a leadingedge 25 of the tip-retention device 20. At the rear of each channel is aledge 214 of the sidewall 204 created by the curved cutting away of thesidewall 204.

Slots 26 are positioned in the sidewall 204 within the channel 226, oneither side of the tip-retention wall 200. The slots 26 (or holes) areconfigured to guide shielding gas, for example, from the gas diffuser 9to a weld puddle, for example. While in the example of FIG. 2A, eachchannel 226 includes two slots 26 (one forward of the tip-retention wall200 and one rear of the tip-retention wall 200), in other examples eachchannel 226 may include more or less than two slots 26. The number andsize of the slots 26 may vary depending on a number of factorsincluding, for example, a size and/or shape of a nozzle assembly 16being used. For instance, in some examples, each channel 226 may includefour slots 26, with two forward of the tip-retention wall 200 and tworear of the tip-retention wall 200, or six slots, with three forward ofthe tip-retention wall 200 and three rear of the tip-retention wall 200.In some examples, each channel 226 may include more slots 26 on one sideof the tip-retention wall 200 than the other. For example, each channelmay include three slots 26, with two forward of the tip-retention wall200 and one rear of the tip-retention wall 200. The slots 26 help togive the curved channels 226 their H shape.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a cross-sectional side view and a partialcross-sectional perspective view, respectively, of portions of thenozzle assembly 16 and/or neck assembly 1 with the tip-retention device20. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the wrench flats 11 of the gasdiffuser 9 are used to attach the gas diffuser 9 to the neck assembly 1via internal threads 22, for example, of the gas diffuser 9. Althoughnot illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the gas diffuser 9 may be attachedto the nozzle assembly 16 via external threads, for example, of the gasdiffuser 9. In some examples, the gas diffuser 9 is attached to thetip-retention device 20 of the nozzle assembly 16. In some examples, thetip-retention device 20 may be, for example, a nozzle insert and/oraddition that is crimped into and/or outside of the nozzle body 17. Inother examples, the tip-retention device 20 may be an integral part ofthe nozzle body 17, the nozzle insulator 15, and/or the nozzle assembly16.

In operation, the curved cutaway channels 226 of the tip-retentiondevice 20 may provide space for gas (e.g. shielding gas) to flow throughthe nozzle assembly 16 from the gas diffuser 9. More particularly, gasmay enter the hollow interior of the tip-retention device 20 from thegas diffuser 9. The gas may encounter the tip-retention wall 200 and bedirected (and/or deflected, guided, etc.) radially outward, through theslot 26. The gas may then be directed radially inward through the slot26 on the other side of the tip-retention wall 200 by the nozzleinsulator 15 and/or the rim 225 comprising the leading edge 25 of thetip-retention device 20. This configuration may direct the gas towardsthe contact tip 12 as the gas passes from the gas diffuser 9 out of thenozzle assembly 16 to a weld puddle, for example. When directed towardsthe contact tip 12, the gas flow 500 may cool the contact tip 12,thereby extending the life of contact tip 12.

The tip-retention device 20 is configured to provide clearance for gasflow by providing channels 226 (and/or slots 26) to direct gas inwardlytowards the contact tip 12. The inward gas flow is directed at thecontact tip 12 which provides a cooling effect on the contact tip.Inwardly facing gas channels (e.g., radial channels) resist spattercollection in comparison to forward-facing gas holes (e.g., axialchannels). Spatter may be removed from the front face of thetip-retention device 20 using a nozzle reamer or welpers. In someexamples, the tip-retention device 20 includes a taper 21 that isconfigured to lock the contact tip 12. In some examples, the contact tip12 has locking taper 13 that is configured to engage with the taper 21in the tip-retention device 20 to maintain concentricity and/orconductivity. The contact tip 12 also includes a second taper 19 toengage with the gas diffuser 9 and to assist in maintainingconcentricity and/or conductivity.

In some examples, the gas diffuser 9 includes a seat 23 that isconfigured to receive the contact tip 12. The seat 23 may include anopening within which the contact tip 12 may snugly fit. The second taper19 (e.g., rear-facing taper) of the contact tip 12 interfaces with acorresponding taper of the seat 23 of the gas diffuser 9. While the rearend of the contact tip 12 is disposed against the seat 23 of the gasdiffuser 9, the tip-retention device 20 of the nozzle assembly 16 keepsthe contact tip 12 in place. In some examples, a locking taper 13 (e.g.,a forward-facing locking taper) of the contact tip 12 engages with acorresponding locking taper 21 of the tip-retention device 20 of thenozzle assembly 16. In some examples, the locking taper 13 is disposedcloser to a rear end of the contact tip 12 than a front end of thecontact tip 12. The contact tip 12 is locked in place between thelocking taper 21 of the tip-retention device 20 and the seat 23 of thegas diffuser 9. In some examples, the contact tip 12 does not need itsown threads to be locked in place. Rather, friction from the snug fit ofthe contact tip 12 within the seat 23 and tip-retention device 20 may besufficient to lock the contact tip 12 into place. An example of acontact tip 12 with tapers 13, 19 according to the present disclosure isshown in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an exemplary gas flow path 500 through across-sectional view of an assembled example nozzle assembly 16 and/orneck assembly 1 having a tip-retention device 20 according to thepresent disclosure. FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional perspective view ofthe nozzle assembly 16 and/or neck assembly 1 with the liner assembly 18removed for clarity. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the gas (e.g.,shielding gas) flow path 500 passes through the neck assembly 1 to thegas diffuser 9. The gas flow path 500 passes through orifices 24 of thegas diffuser 9 into the nozzle assembly 16. In some examples, the gasflow path 500 through the orifices 24 is radially away from the axis 150of the contact tip 12. The gas flow path 500 is then guided by thetip-retention device 20 along a direction substantially parallel withthe axis 150 of the contact tip 12. Subsequently, the tip-retention wall200 of the tip-retention device 20 guides the gas flow path 500 away(e.g., radially) from the contact tip 12. More particularly, the gasflow path 500 is guided away from the contact tip 12 through a slot 26.The tip-retention device 20 then guides the gas flow path 500 towardsthe contact tip 12 (e.g., in a substantially radial direction toward thecontact tip 12) before exiting the nozzle assembly 16. Moreparticularly, the leading edge 25 of the annular rim 225 may guide thegas flow path 500 radially towards the contact tip 12 through the slot26. In some examples, the leading edge 25 is part of the structure thatforms the slot 26. The leading edge 25 and/or tip-retention wall 200 mayhelp to protect the channel 226 and/or slots 26 from weld splatter. Theplane containing the holes/slots 26, and/or leading edge 25 may besubstantially perpendicular to an axis 150 of the contact tip 12 or maybe slightly angled to angle the gas flow towards the contact tip 12.

FIGS. 6A-6C show various views of three other examples of thetip-retention device 20 a, 20 b, 20 c according to the presentdisclosure. The other examples of the tip-retention device 20 a, 20 b,20 c show different configurations of the gas channels 226 a, 226 b, 226c, using holes and/or slots 26 a, 26 b, 26 c positioned radially aroundthe tip-retention devices. Notably, rather than a plurality of separategas channels 226, such as in the tip-retention device 20, each of thetip-retention devices 20 a, 20 b, 20 c include a single gas channel 226a, 226 b, 226 c. Each gas channel 226 a, 226 b, 226 c extends radiallyaround the tip-retention device 20 a, 20 b, 20 c between the dimple 210and the rim 225. Each gas channel 226 a, 226 b, 226 c includes aplurality of slots 26 a, 26 b, 26 c.

In the tip-retention device 20 a illustrated in FIG. 6A, the slots 26 aare approximately circular. The slots 26 a are spaced radially aroundthe tip-retention device 20 a, within the channel 226 a. The slots 26 aare paired and on opposite sides of the tip-retention wall 200, suchthat for each slot 26 a on one side of the wall 200, there is acorresponding slot 26 a on the other side of the wall 200. The pairedslots 26 a are approximately axially aligned.

In the tip-retention device 20 b, illustrated in FIG. 6B, the slots 26 bare approximately oval (and/or elliptical). The slots 26 b are spacedradially around the tip-retention device 20 b, within the channel 226 b.Each slot 26 b spans across the tip-retention wall 200, such that gasmay pass through the slot 26 b moving radially outwards on one side ofthe tip-retention wall 200, travel past the wall, then pass back throughthe slot 26 b moving radially inwards on the other side of thetip-retention wall 200. In some examples, each slot 26 b may beconsidered to comprise two axially aligned holes, with one hole on eachside of the tip-retention wall 200.

In the tip-retention device 20 c, illustrated in FIG. 6C, the slots 26 care approximately oval (and/or elliptical). The slots 26 c are spacedradially around the tip-retention device 20 c, within the channel 226 c.Some of the slots 26 c are on one side of the tip-retention wall 200,while other slots 26 c are on the other side. The slots 26 c are axiallyoffset from one another, rather than axially aligned.

Some examples of the welding system according to the present disclosureprovide gas channels that may be configured as a series of radiallypositioned holes or slots that face inwardly or that cause gas flow tobe directed inwardly toward the contact tip.

Some examples of the welding system according to the present disclosureprovide contact tips that are threaded or threadless. If threadless, notool is necessary to insert the contact tip into the nozzle/gas diffuserassembly, for example. In some examples, the contact tip may be securedwith the use of a tool.

Some examples of the welding system may be used with a contact tip thatprovides a consumable electrode, or that the contact tip may be replacedwith an electrode for welding torches that do not provide theconsumable.

Some examples of the welding system find application in various types ofplasma cutting and welding application. In some examples, the weldingsystem is applicable for use in gas metal arc welding (GMAW)applications or metal inert gas (MIG) welding applications.

While the present apparatuses, systems, and/or methods have beendescribed with reference to certain implementations, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be madeand equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope ofthe present apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present disclosure without departing from itsscope. Therefore, it is intended that the present apparatuses, systems,and/or methods not be limited to the particular implementationsdisclosed, but that the present apparatuses, systems, and/or methodswill include all implementations falling within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A welding torch, comprising: a nozzle including atip-retention device; and a contact tip in contact with thetip-retention device, wherein the tip-retention device is configured todirect gas radially towards the contact tip with respect to an axis ofthe contact tip.
 2. The welding torch according to claim 1, wherein thetip-retention device is configured to receive a gas diffuser and thecontact tip, and wherein the gas diffuser includes a seat with a taperthat is configured to interface with a rear-facing taper of the contacttip.
 3. The welding torch according to claim 2, wherein thetip-retention device is configured to interface with a forward-facingtaper of the contact tip.
 4. The welding torch according to claim 1,wherein the tip-retention device is configured to direct the gasradially away from the contact tip before directing the gas towards thecontact tip.
 5. The welding torch according to claim 4, wherein thetip-retention device comprises a tip-retention wall configured to directthe gas radially away from the contact tip.
 6. The welding torchaccording to claim 5, wherein the tip-retention device comprises anannular rim having a leading edge that is configured to direct the gastowards the contact tip.
 7. The welding torch according to claim 6,wherein the tip-retention device includes a channel comprising a firstslot on a first side of the tip-retention wall and a second slot on asecond side of the tip-retention wall, and wherein the leading edge isconfigured to protect the channel of the tip-retention device fromwelding spatter.
 8. A nozzle for use with a welding torch, comprising: atip-retention device; and a contact tip in contact with thetip-retention device, wherein the tip-retention device is configured todirect gas radially towards the contact tip with respect to an axis ofthe contact tip.
 9. The nozzle of claim 8, wherein the tip-retentiondevice is configured to receive a gas diffuser and the contact tip, andwherein the gas diffuser includes a seat with a taper that is configuredto interface with a rear-facing taper of the contact tip.
 10. The nozzleaccording to claim 9, wherein the tip-retention device is configured tointerface with a forward-facing taper of the contact tip.
 11. The nozzleaccording to claim 8, wherein the tip-retention device is configured todirect the gas radially away from the contact tip before directing thegas towards the contact tip.
 12. The nozzle according to claim 11,wherein the tip-retention device comprises a tip retention wallconfigured to direct the gas radially away from the contact tip.
 13. Thenozzle according to claim 12, wherein the tip-retention device comprisesan annular rim having a leading edge that is configured to direct thegas towards the contact tip.
 14. The nozzle according to claim 13,wherein the tip-retention device includes a channel comprising a firstslot on a first side of the tip-retention wall and a second slot on asecond side of the tip-retention wall, wherein the leading edge isconfigured to protect the channel of the tip-retention device fromwelding spatter.
 15. A device for use with a welding torch, comprising:an annular sidewall surrounding a hollow interior; a tip-retention wallattached to the sidewall, wherein the tip-retention wall includes a boreconfigured to fit a contact tip; and a channel in fluid communicationwith the hollow interior, wherein the channel is configured to provide apassage for gas to flow around the tip-retention wall.
 16. The deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein the channel comprises a first slot on afirst side of the tip-retention wall and a second slot on a second sideof the tip-retention wall.
 17. The device according to claim 15, whereinthe tip-retention wall includes a locking taper configured to interfacewith a forward-facing taper of the contact tip so as to retain thecontact tip within the bore, and wherein the tip-retention wall isconfigured to direct the gas radially away from the contact tip.
 18. Thedevice according to claim 16, wherein the device further includes anannular rim at a leading edge of the device, wherein the annular rim isconfigured to direct the gas towards the contact tip, and wherein theannular rim is configured to protect the channel from welding spatter19. The device according to claim 15, wherein the tip-retention wall isconfigured to protect the channel from welding spatter.
 20. The deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein the device is configured to engage a gasdiffuser of the welding torch using at least one of a screw thread or astep in the sidewall, wherein the device is configured to direct gasfrom the gas diffuser towards the contact tip.